Job 11:6
And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.
Original Language Analysis
וְיַגֶּד
And that he would shew
H5046
וְיַגֶּד
And that he would shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְֽת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה
to that which is
H8454
לְֽת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה
to that which is
Strong's:
H8454
Word #:
7 of 13
support or (by implication) ability, i.e., (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding
וְדַ֡ע
Know
H3045
וְדַ֡ע
Know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַשֶּׁ֥ה
exacteth
H5382
יַשֶּׁ֥ה
exacteth
Strong's:
H5382
Word #:
10 of 13
to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove
Cross References
Ezra 9:13And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;Lamentations 3:22It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.Ephesians 3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;Job 9:4He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?Job 15:5For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.Job 15:11Are the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee?Job 15:8Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?Matthew 13:35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.Deuteronomy 29:29The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.Daniel 2:28But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom sometimes emphasized that all suffering is less than deserved, but this minimizes grace and magnifies works. Zophar's claim denies Job's actual innocence and God's later vindication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does emphasizing deserved punishment distort the gospel of grace?
- When has someone suggested your suffering is less than you deserve?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zophar claims God 'exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth' - a brutal accusation that Job's suffering is merciful compared to deserved punishment. This theology of hyper-retribution (you deserve worse) adds theological cruelty to physical suffering.